August 8, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Just borrowed a couple neat shots from the local Legion Branch here for inclusion in an upcoming Volume in CANAV Books series “Aviation in Canada”, and now I find myself looking for a good photo of a Halifax GR.II (preferably from 502 Sqn) for a ‘memorial’ page to be framed and hung at the Legion hall.
In this case the individual was Sgt C.A. Fisher DFM. (passed away in 1999)
Unfortunately no one around here seems to have any knowledge of the whereabouts of his log.
FISHER, Sergeant Charles Allan (R82738) – Distinguished Flying Medal – No.502 Squadron – Award effective 1 September 1943 as per London Gazette dated 10 September 1943 and AFRO 2322/43 dated 12 November 1943. Home in Iroquois, Ontario. Enlisted in Ottawa, 29 January 1941. Trained at No.5 BGS (graduated 8 December 1941) and No.2 WS (graduated 9 November 1941) Died in Ottawa, 10 August 1999.
Citation: On July 16th, 1943, Sergeant Fisher was rear gunner of an aircraft engaged on an anti-submarine patrol, when four Junkers 88 were sighted. In the ensuing combat, which lasted twenty-five minutes, Sergeant Fisher used his guns to such good effect that one enemy aircraft was probably destroyed and the [remaining ?] enemy aircraft driven off. Throughout his operational career this airman has displayed courage and devotion to duty worthy of the highest praise.
For interest sake, I include here two crew pics of Fisher – earlier in his AF career on Whitleys (Crew: Len LaFleur, Joe Manning, Cy Ballard, Bill Harvey, Allan Fisher, Alex Coburn) and then with his Halifax crew (Joe Sculthorpe, Ron Rolph, Pop Grant, Harry Lye, Allan Fisher; Kneeling: Jimmy Brown, Ron Pierce). I was amazed at the little details in the Halifax pic, with wing bays open.
Cheers, James
By: ant - 10th August 2009 at 21:09
As an aside here… is there an active 502 Sqn association anywhere that may have further information available?
No there isn’t an active one for 502 Sqdn but there was one for 58 Sqdn which was always on the same aerodrome. If the chap that ran it is still with us.
As to the pictures, the one that pictures Ron Pierce; I had the pleasure of meeting with him back in 2001. Though sadly he too has passed away. If thats the same man I belive he completed his tour and went to become an instructor.
I do have more information but unfortinatly its all packed away ready for a house move, so unable to access it at the moment!
Regards Ant
By: contrailjj - 10th August 2009 at 18:10
As an aside here… is there an active 502 Sqn association anywhere that may have further information available?
By: Steve Bond - 10th August 2009 at 11:33
I cannot help with a Halifax photo, but by a remarkable coincidence, I have just been typing up some notes about 502 Squadron Whitleys sent to me by Wg Cdr “Hunter” McGiffin, who carried out early ASV trials on the squadron at about the same time.